April 4-10 Proclaimed Public Health Week
Coinciding with National Public Health Week, the board proclaimed April 4-10 as Public Health Week in Anoka County. Jonelle Hubbard, director of Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services, spoke to the board about the role of Public Health in Anoka County, with a focus on Public Health’s COVID-19 response over the past two years. To watch the presentation on this item, click HERE.
April Proclaimed National County Government Month
The board proclaimed April as National County Government Month in Anoka County. The theme for this year’s celebration is THRIVE (Technology, Health, Readiness, Infrastructure, Vulnerable Communities, Economic Opportunities), which demonstrates the important role counties play in providing essential services and helping to improve people’s lives. To watch the presentation on this item, click HERE.
Andover Hockey Teams Recognized
The board commended the Andover boys’ and girls’ hockey teams for winning this year’s state championships. Andover is only the second school in Minnesota state history to sweep both boys’ and girls’ state hockey titles in the same season. To watch the presentation on this item, click HERE.
April 4-8 is Severe Weather Awareness Week
Scott Schulte, chair, Anoka County Board of Commissioners, noted April 4-8 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. On Thursday, April 7, there will be two statewide tornado drills with outdoor warning sirens sounding. The first drill at 1:45 p.m. is intended for businesses and institutions, and the evening drill at 6:45 p.m. is for families. More information on Severe Weather Awareness Week can be found HERE. To watch the presentation on this item, click HERE.
County Seeking Federal Funding for Road Projects
The board adopted a resolution authorizing the submittal of applications for federal funding through the Metropolitan Council’s 2022 Regional Solicitation, to improve highways in nine different areas across the county. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video, click HERE.
Three PACE Program Resolutions Adopted
The board adopted three resolutions related to the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program, as part of a joint powers agreement with the St. Paul Port Authority. The PACE program helps commercial property owners finance energy efficiency and conservation improvements to property through the use of special assessments. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Grant for Drug Identification Tool Accepted
The board approved a National Forensic Sciences Act Program Grant that had been applied for by the Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory, which serves Anoka County and others. The grant amount was for $85,000 and will allow the laboratory to purchase a new instrument that can help in the identification of controlled substances. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Three Grants Accepted for Emergency Management
The board accepted three different emergency management grants that will help Anoka County better respond to natural and manmade disasters and recover from those incidents. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Contract Approved for Countywide Broadband Expansion Feasibility Study
The board approved a contract with Design Nine for professional services related to a countywide broadband expansion feasibility study. Anoka County intends for this study to inform the county, cities and townships of existing infrastructure and to identify gaps in reliable network connectivity and affordability. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video on this item, click HERE.
ARPA Budget Allocation Amended
The board adopted a budget allocation amendment for the $69,840,121 it expects to receive in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The updated plan leaves about $2.5 million unallocated. The categories to which funds are currently allocated are public health, negative economic impact, services to disproportionately impacted communities, premium pay, infrastructure, revenue replacement, and grant administration. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video, click HERE.